What does it look like when a scientist refuses to stay in the lab? When the theories, formulas, and research that fill a lecture hall spill out into the real world and become a thriving business? For Ms. Zeenatu Suglo Adams, Founder of Pneuma Food Scientifics (PFS), that question has a very clear, very practical answer.

Featured in the 6th Edition of the WiSTEMGh Inspirer  themed "STEMpreneur Women: From the Laboratory to Entrepreneurship" , Ms. Adams' story is one of accidental beginnings, intentional growth, and the quiet power of scientific knowledge applied to everyday life.

A Path That Chose Her

Growing up with a natural affinity for science and mathematics, Ms. Adams pursued her passion through Wesley Girls' Senior High School, where she chose the science track. Though her parents had hoped she would study medicine, a chance conversation with a pharmacist neighbour opened her eyes to Food Science, a field she had never heard of, but one that would shape her entire career.

She went on to earn her BSc in Food Science at KNUST, followed by an MPhil, and is currently pursuing her PhD. Along the way, she interned at Blue Skies Ghana Ltd, Promasidor Ghana Ltd, and the Food Research Institute; each placement deepening her understanding of food safety, product development, and industrial processes.

"Food Science was the right choice. The exact science I teach is what I practice and apply in my business daily."

Her role as a Teaching and Graduate Assistant at KNUST was equally formative. Working alongside distinguished faculty instilled in her a respect for mentorship, research rigour, and student engagement; values she now carries into both her classroom and her boardroom.

From Industry Professional to Accidental Entrepreneur

Before founding PFS, Ms. Adams held roles of increasing responsibility at Blue Skies Ghana Ltd progressing from Quality Assurance Officer to Technical Customer Specialist, and eventually to Training Coordinator. These positions exposed her to international food safety systems, regulatory certification, and global supply chain operations.

Her transition into entrepreneurship was not a calculated leap and it was an unexpected one. In 2018, just three months into a new lecturing post at Ho Technical University, a friend introduced her to the Presidential Pitch competition. She had no facility, no commercial products, and was still experimenting with formulations in KNUST's labs. But she had an idea, and she believed in it.

She applied. She was selected among the top 10 entrepreneurs in Ghana. And she walked away with a startup grant that would mark the beginning of Pneuma Food Scientifics.

The Story Behind Pneuma Food Scientifics (PFS)

PFS was originally registered in 2015 as a platform to support students and researchers with lab work. But it was not until 2018, after the Presidential Pitch win, that the business took on real direction: converting agricultural by-products into value-added food products.

A key insight changed the business model. Ms. Adams noticed that many food, herbal, and cosmetic product makers in Ghana had great ideas but were stuck at the regulatory stage lacking FDA certification knowledge, Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) understanding, and proper documentation. That gap became her mission.

Today, PFS offers over eight services including FDA registration and certification support, product development and formulation, GMP training and quality management systems, equipment sourcing and branding consultation, scientific trials and shelf-life assessments, and export readiness guidance for SMEs.

PFS also produces its own branded products  including Shemah Instant Rice Porridge and Fibrelicious High Fruit Fibre Mix which address the underutilisation of food by-products like mango pulp and peels, turning them into fibre-rich, functional foods.

Science as the Foundation of Everything

For Ms. Adams, STEM is not a background detail, it is the engine of the entire enterprise. Her scientific training allows her to develop safe, nutritious products based on rigorous testing, conduct shelf-life studies, guide clients through Ghana's regulatory landscape, and train others in quality systems with practical authority.

She also teaches Food Safety, Product Development, and Quality Management Systems at Ho Technical University. That alignment between classroom and enterprise is rare, and it gives PFS a credibility that sets it apart.

Overcoming the Challenges of the STEMpreneur Path

The early years of entrepreneurship were humbling. From 2018 to 2020, Ms. Adams struggled with gaps in financial management, marketing, taxation, logistics, and negotiation. She was trained as a scientist, not a CEO.

Her response was methodical: she enrolled in boot camps and accelerator programmes, digitised her workflow, built a reliable team, and applied every lesson directly to the business.

"Do not quit your job unless your business can pay you three times your current salary. Grow slowly, hire intentionally, and surround yourself with mentors."

Her father gave her two of his rental spaces before the business even launched a gesture of faith that motivated her immensely. Family, faith, and a growing network of mentors have all been pillars of her journey.

Impact That Aligns with the SDGs

PFS is not just a business, it is a solution engine. Its work aligns directly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) through nutritious food products, SDG 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth) by creating jobs and supporting SMEs, SDG 9 (Innovation & Infrastructure) by driving food sector innovation, and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption & Production) by reducing food waste.

A Moment of Pride

Among her proudest moments, Ms. Adams highlights winning two competitive project bids to train SMEs across Ghana. But what moves her most is simpler: the moment clients began referring others to her without any advertising. "That loyalty meant I had earned their trust." She also takes deep pride watching her university students go on to apply classroom principles in real food companies.

What's Next for PFS

Ms. Adams plans to grow PFS into a full-scale innovation and consulting hub covering product development, regulatory compliance, branding, digital marketing, export readiness, and specialised short courses for food, herbal, and cosmetic entrepreneurs.

"None! I am a proud Food Scientist and lecturer."; her answer when asked about regrets.

A Message to the Next Generation

"It is a rewarding combination, but it must be approached with clarity and preparation. If you are strong in product development, find someone to support branding or finance. If you are skilled in sales, consider partnering with someone experienced in compliance. Multidisciplinary collaboration is key to business success."

This feature was originally published in the WiSTEMGh Inspirer, 6th Edition (December 2025) - "STEMpreneur Women: From the Laboratory to Entrepreneurship."

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